Here is a recap of our message from this weekend...

All In Your Head: Step Out of the Cave

This week’s sermon, Step Out of the Cave, addresses the heavy but necessary topic of depression. Pastor Jared takes us through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 to confront the lies that depression tells us: to hide our pain, to believe we’re alone, and to think there’s no way out. Using real, biblical wisdom, we’re reminded that healing begins when we choose to ACT—Ask for help, Create healthy habits, and Turn to God daily.

Weekly Bible Study List

1. 1 Kings 19:4-6 (NLT) – Elijah’s exhaustion, desperation, and God’s provision.
2. 1 Kings 19:9-10 (NLT) – Elijah’s isolation and God’s question: “What are you doing here?”
3. 1 Kings 19:18 (NLT) – God reminds Elijah he is not alone.
4. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT) – “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed…”
5. Psalm 34:18 (ESV) – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

The Sunday Outline & Notes

All In Your Head: Step Out of the Cave

Pastor Jared opened with a gripping story of being in a pitch-black Romanian cave, a physical metaphor for the mental and emotional darkness many experience with depression. He drew a powerful connection between that darkness and the often silent, creeping weight of mental struggles, especially depression.

The Story of Elijah: When a Prophet Felt Done

Referencing 1 Kings 19, Pastor explored the prophet Elijah’s battle with depression after a spiritual high moment. Elijah is exhausted, alone, and even suicidal. It's an incredibly honest moment in Scripture that shows us we’re not alone in our feelings.

3 Whispers of Depression

Pastor Jared identified three deceptive whispers of depression that Elijah—and many of us—face:

1. “Hide Your Pain”

Like ignoring a car’s “check engine” light, we often hide our emotional and mental struggles under busyness, work, and distractions. But this only delays the healing we need. Elijah wanted to give up, but God sent nourishment and care to remind us God meets us where we are.

2. “You’re All Alone”

Elijah says, “I’m the only one left,” but God later reveals there are 7,000 others. Depression distorts reality. In today’s world, social media adds fuel to that distortion. Healing happens in connection, not in isolation.

3. “There’s No Way Out”

The stigma in the church around mental health tells many to just “pray it away,” but Pastor Jared emphasizes that healing often comes through both spiritual and practical steps. Needing help isn’t a sign of weak faith, it’s a sign of being human.

From Sermon to Action

The Call to ACT

To walk out of the cave, Jared challenges the congregation to A.C.T.:

1. A – Ask for Help: From friends, small groups, counselors—don’t carry the burden alone.
2. C – Create Healthy Habits: Small daily victories like sleep, nutrition, and movement matter.
3. T – Turn to God Daily: Prayer, Scripture, and worship must be daily disciplines in the healing process.

Worship Setlist

1. Glorious Day
2. More Than Able
3. I Speak Jesus

Quotes Worth Reposting on Social Media

1. “Depression doesn’t shout in your face; it whispers in your ear.”
2. “Healing rarely happens in hiding.”
3. “You’re not the only one struggling, you’re just carrying it alone.”
4. “God didn’t walk out of His grave so you’d stay buried in yours.”
5. “Hopelessness might build the walls, but isolation will lock the door.”
6. “The more you sit with Jesus, the more light comes into your darkness.”
7. “Duct tape doesn’t fix the engine—it just hides the issue.”
8. “Jesus didn’t just suffer for us, He suffers with us.”
9. “Depression distorts what’s real and manipulates facts into fears.”

WATCH SERMON

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